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Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Non-leadership Books for Leaders

Currently I am putting together an extensive reading list for the leadership training seminar that I am developing for DTRI. This is the contract work that I’ve been working on part-time during the past 20 months. I’ve already compiled a thorough list of books that fall under the leadership category. However, I want to solicit feedback from the readers of my blog for additional books in the following two categories: (1) biographies/autobiographies and (2) non-leadership books that all leaders should read.

Personally I love reading biographies and autobiographies—I derived much inspiration and insights from these sources. Recently I’ve been reading a book by historian Stephen Ambrose called Eisenhower: Soldier and President. This is an excellent book for anyone aspiring to increase their leadership capacity.

Are there any that you highly recommend?

Also I want to explore books outside the traditional leadership genre. This is probably an area that I am weak in with the exception of books in the Christian thought arena. Due to the nature of my work, I will probably not select any books that fall in the Christian category. Possibly you’ve read some fiction books that would be of tremendous value to a leader—please share any that you recommend. Or there could be a book that explores some historical dilemma that is worth noting for its value to the present day challenges that all leaders confront.

Be creative and think of some resources that you would recommend. What are the MUST read books that you would assign to those desiring to become a better leader?

6 comments:

Leadership Lessons of the Navy Seals - Robert SuttonThe One Thing You Need to Know - Marcus BuckinghamGreat Boss - Jeffrey J. FoxBringing Out the Best in People - Aubrey C. Daniels33 strategies of war - Robert GreenGood to Great - Jim Collins

Thank you for taking the time to share your recommendations. Great selections! When I initially sat down with the executive leadership of this company, they pointed out Jim Collins' book, Good to Great, as one that has influenced them deeply. The principles and thoughts of that book are integrated into the overall leadership paradigm that I have developed for them.

Also I noted that you are from Malaysia. Two of my groomsmen in our wedding were from Malaysia. My wife and I met at Christ For the Nations Institute in Dallas, Texas where I also met these Malaysians. One of them led worship for us at our wedding. Needless to say, we have a fond place in our hearts for Malaysians! *grin*

Ironically, I'm currently reading the autobiography of Oral Roberts "Expect a Miracle". So there's one for you. ;)

And I always recommend Dutch Sheets book "Intercessory prayer". We all need to understand the true power of it. Especially those people who are standing in the gap for others (ie. leaders!).

And though it may not be what you're asking for...maybe something on marriage. The list is endless. I believe that if you aren't working to strengthen and keep your marriage safe and strong, you should NOT be in leadership. Period.

maybe I'll have Jet go through a list of books that he had to read when his old church (before moving to marry me) had him read when he was going through a men's year- long group called "Joshua's Men"